Fredrik Lindström, a famous Swedish linguist and comedian, takes note in how the Swedish language semantically expresses singlehood. For example, it’s far more common to use the expression ‘live by oneself’ (att bo själv) rather than ‘living alone’ (att bo ensam). To live by oneself marks individualism and freedom, while “living alone” expresses shame and failure.

Singlehood has thus become the societal norm, especially in Stockholm, where certain districts like Kungsholmen or Sundbyberg are known for having a high density of single households (singeltät).

Yet, anyone that has been single for a longer period of time knows that being alone isn’t always a picnic. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it sucks.

So, my idea here is that singles go through various stages of singlehood, in which the level of hope varies, and that the distinction of these states are defined by certain critical points. In good old planning fashion I have also defined eight segments: dumpers, dumpees, hoppers, happy-go-lucky, relationship seekers, self actualizers, strugglers and survivors. You probably know at least one person for each type.

I’ve mapped this in a graph here. It’s just for fun, so please take it lightly.

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